STEM Salem Launches STEM Sunday, Bringing Hands-On Science and Engineering to Local Families

STEM Salem officially launched its new STEM Sunday program on September 20, inviting local students and families to a free, hands-on afternoon of science and engineering activities at the Salem High School gymnasium. The inaugural event was staffed by student and staff volunteers from Rowan University and supported by members of Harvest-Time Worship Center, who helped with setup, cleanup, and hospitality throughout the day.

STEM Sunday is designed to give young people in Salem and the surrounding area meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program brings together students, families, educators, STEM professionals, businesses, and community organizations to build a stronger STEM ecosystem in Salem. Organizers say the goal isn't simply to teach STEM — it's to help young people discover their potential and see themselves as part of the future.

At the launch event, attendees rotated through hands-on stations including Forces of Flight (paper airplanes), Aerospace (parachutes), Engineering (gliders), and Density & Buoyancy (hot air balloons), among others, each facilitated by Rowan University volunteers. Students received a stamp of completion for each activity and earned a frozen treat of their choice upon completion of any three activities.

"I had a lot of fun and would love to come back and help out again!" said Kristia, a Rowan University student volunteer who helped run one of the day's activity stations.

Families who attended echoed that enthusiasm. "We all enjoyed the memories made!" said Clinton, a parent who brought his family to the event.

Special thanks were given to Melissa Cosgrove, STEAM Academy Coordinator and Outreach Specialist at Rowan University's College of Science & Mathematics, who helped coordinate the university's involvement in the program. STEM Salem also recognized financial supporters PSEG Nuclear, the Pincus Family Foundation, the City of Salem, and Seeds Church, whose contributions helped make the launch possible.

STEM Salem plans to hold STEM Sunday on a recurring basis. The next event is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, and will focus on second-grade students at John Fenwick Elementary School. Organizers continue to seek volunteers and welcome community members and partner organizations to get involved.

"This is just the beginning," said Antoinette Stanley, Program Manager for STEM Salem. "We're building something that gives kids in Salem real, hands-on access to STEM — and we're looking forward to growing it with our community and our partners."

About STEM Salem

STEM Salem is an outreach ministry of Harvest-Time Worship Center. This community-based, out-of-school-time STEM initiative is dedicated to increasing access to high-quality STEM learning experiences for children and families in the City of Salem. Through hands-on programming, partnerships with local STEM organizations and professionals, and access to STEM-rich institutions, STEM Salem seeks to make STEM learning engaging, relevant, and accessible to the community.